As someone who has spent over 25 years in healthcare, I have witnessed the profession's highs and lows, and I can say without hesitation that Abby Heaton is among the most exceptional nurses I have ever encountered. Her impact on my family, particularly with my loved one, E, has been nothing short of transformative. Since March 17th, when E was admitted to Texas Children’s Hospital, our lives have been turned upside down. The fear, uncertainty, and heartache have been overwhelming, but Abby has been our anchor—a guiding light during our darkest days. Her presence has provided exceptional care for E and offered our family something even more precious: hope. Abby’s dedication to her patients is unparalleled. She has consistently gone above and beyond, ensuring that E’s voice is heard and her needs are met with the highest level of care and attention.
Abby’s vigilance has saved E from potential medication errors, and her proactive approach to patient care has made all the difference in E’s recovery journey. But what truly sets Abby apart is her ability to connect on a deeper, more personal level. She doesn’t just treat the illness; she treats the person, and in doing so, she brings comfort and reassurance that words cannot fully capture. One of the most touching moments during E’s stay was when Abby organized a special birthday stroll for her—a moment of pure joy amid so much uncertainty. That simple act of kindness brightened E’s day and reminded our entire family that there is still room for happiness, even in the most challenging circumstances. Abby has the rare gift of turning routine care into something extraordinary; we are eternally grateful for that. Abby is an exceptional nurse and a model for what healthcare should be. Her ability to blend clinical excellence with genuine compassion should be highlighted on a broader level. I firmly believe that Abby has the potential to inspire and train other healthcare professionals, teaching them how to care for patients and their families on every level. Her approach should be emulated across the board at Texas Children’s Hospital and in healthcare facilities everywhere. In a time when healthcare is often criticized for losing its personal touch, Abby stands out as a beacon of what is possible when care, compassion, and expertise come together. Her work has profoundly impacted our family, and I have no doubt that she has touched countless other lives in the same way. 

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My daughter is newly paralyzed, and Abby goes above and beyond to be kind and patient with E. She stops to listen when E speaks and hears what she says. Abby advocates for E’s behalf, even to us, as her parents. I am thankful for every time we have her as our nurse. Abby has been very hands-on and attentive to my daughter’s care. There have been numerous times when Abby has caught meds that weren’t meant for my daughter. She was also able to detect a situation where the texture of the medicine was not traveling through the medical device, which meant my daughter hadn’t been getting her medicine from the start.

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She's extremely attentive and caring with E. She's caught the wrong medicines that have repeatedly shown up for her. They were also giving her Cymbalta through her g-tube, but she found out that the balls were never making it through, so she'd never actually gotten the medicine. She pays extreme attention to detail. She calls when she's off to make sure certain things happen that were discussed during her shift but scheduled for a later date. She pulled everyone together for her stroll on her birthday.

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Where do I start? I’m a grandmother to E. She is now paralyzed from the neck down, which she was not before she came there. She has Lupus, and let me tell you, this has been an unbelievable journey for her and our family. Abby has been so amazing for E and us. She has been E’s nurse and friend, helping her through what has been devastating for her. She explains everything to us, and hands down, her bedside manner is impeccable. If I could take her home with us when E leaves, I would say that E feels safe and secure when she is with her. Don’t ever lose this gem. She excels in her job. Thank you, and please don’t be blind to what you have in this young lady.

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Abby is not only a nurse; she has become part of the family. My granddaughter is going through something like I would have never imagined for absolutely anyone. Abby has truly gained her trust, and that’s not an easy task if you know my baby. This alone is more than my family can ever be thankful for. Abby is a beautiful person and a nurse that you get only once in a lifetime. When my baby's miracle happens of being restored and renewed, we want her to come home with us. We love Abby!

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I'm writing in reference to my granddaughter-in-law, who is the mother of E. I have heard nothing but good things about Nurse Abby. She has been a godsend to E since her admittance to the hospital. Mom has given me so many glowing thoughts on how the nurse had advocated for E every chance she could. I should know about nurses and the special care they give their patients. My sister is a nurse, and my daughter is also a nurse. I realize how valuable these individuals are in their jobs and how essential they are to our care while we're in the hospital. This young lady has gone above and beyond her duties and deserves all the accolades she can get. 

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Nurse Abby has been caring for my grandniece, E. She has become a big part of my niece's life. She is very instrumental in helping my niece continue to fight for healing and become healthy again, along with helping keep her from becoming extremely depressed due to the situation of her health. Please recognize her for her outstanding professional care, humanity, and love for her patients, especially my grandniece. She makes my niece's day when she sees her enter the room. We are so thankful for her and her care.

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This woman is amazing! She always makes my niece smile and lights up the room! She is a hard worker and is always there when you need her! I truly don’t think my niece would be in as good of spirits as she is without her! My niece E is getting hit hard with all of these new things happening to her; this nurse, in particular, has made an imprint on our family. We are blessed to have her and the Hospital in our lives!
This nurse always makes my niece smile and laugh, even when hurting or upset. She goes out of her way to put her in a better mood and quickly gets by her side when E needs anything. She always goes above and beyond for her!

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My cousin has been in the hospital for five months due to a severe medical illness. This time has been hard not only for her but also for our family. However, her nurse, Abby, has made this process much better. She pays great attention to detail, is compassionate, communicates well, and has extensive medical knowledge. 

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Abby is the greatest. I'm not there every day, but when my cousin looks for her, she's got to be awesome. I was there this past weekend; she was a joy to watch as she cared for my cousin. Abby's attentiveness to her needs tells me she loves what she does and is passionate about caring for her patients. Thanks, Abby; you are the best!

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Abby is incredibly compassionate, attentive, and dedicated to her patients. She went above and beyond by organizing a birthday surprise with all the nurses on the unit to celebrate with me. Even when she’s not on duty, she stays connected with the team to provide updates and calls in to check on my well-being.

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My cousin is in ICU, and Abby has gone above and beyond to make sure she is safe, happy, and cared for always. Our family could never show enough appreciation she deserves.

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This amazing nurse has taken the utmost care of my wonderful niece. My niece loves her and enjoys seeing her every time she comes around!

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This nurse is always kind and helpful. She is also full of light and always makes my kid laugh, even when she is scared or upset. I have never seen a better nurse. She is amazing in every way!

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My best friend’s daughter, whom I consider my niece, is a patient of Abby’s currently and is fighting for her life. Abby has gone above and beyond being the best nurse she has had. She has a great bedside manner, is an awesome nurse, and listens to her patients.

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A former boss of mine has a daughter who is currently in the care of Abby. According to her daughter, Abby has been nothing short of amazing. We are all praying there will be sunshine at the end of this storm they are enduring. Thank you, Abby, for making E comfortable and giving her the best care!